Labour Statistics

Joan Humble: To ask the Minister for the Olympics how many local residents are employed on the construction of facilities for the London Olympics; and how many of those were unemployed prior to taking up such employment.

Tessa Jowell: The ODA and partners are working hard to ensure that we take advantage of the tremendous opportunity that the Games provide us to improve employment and skills levels of East Londoners. Currently, 451 local residents from the five Olympic host boroughs are employed on the Olympic site. 21 per cent. of these were previously unemployed.
	I am aware of the great enthusiasm of athletes with intellectual disabilities, and the importance they place on having the opportunity to compete in 2012.

Paralympics

Mark Harper: To ask the Minister for the Olympics what discussions she has had with the International Paralympics Committee on provision of facilities for athletes with learning disabilities to train for the 2012 London Paralympics.

Tessa Jowell: I have had no discussions specifically about the training and participation of athletes with an intellectual disability.
	As the hon. Member will know, people with intellectual disabilities are currently precluded from competing in the Paralympic games. Although ultimately a matter for the International Paralympic Committee, I know this matter is subject to review.